Photos by UNITED NATIONS DISENGAGEMENT OBSERVER FORCE
In 2024, a joint session of both chambers of the Kazakhstani Parliament decided to send Kazakh peacekeepers to the Golan Heights, and 139 service members started their mission two months later. The length of their mission will depend on the duration
of the United Nations mandate.
Besides the Golan Heights, Kazakh peacekeepers will participate in operations in South Sudan and Abyei.
The objectives of Kazakh peacekeeping in the Golan Heights include monitoring the ceasefire and overseeing compliance with the Agreement on Disengagement.
The decision to launch the peacekeeping mission came after an invitation from the U.N. Security Council. Upon thorough analysis of the ongoing conflicts around the world, experts from the Kazakh Ministry of Defense concluded that the peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights is one of the key U.N. missions, and that its success will help maintain peace and security not only in the region but in the world.
Taking part in other peacekeeping missions — including in the Western Sahara, Côte d’Ivoire and Lebanon — has allowed Kazakh troops to serve with Soldiers from other countries. After dozens of rotations in which Kazakh forces gained necessary expertise and skill, it was time to put together an independent mission led by experienced officers.
Defense Ministry leaders view participation in peacekeeping missions as an important part of the troops’ training that helps to hone their ability to participate in military engagements.
Peacekeepers were selected in compliance with U.N. requirements and Kazakh legislation. Before deployment, troops received academic and hands-on training at the Center for Peacekeeping Operations and the Center for Demining in Almaty.
All military equipment and materiel necessary for maintaining the ceasefire has been delivered to the Kazakh Ministry of Defense peacekeepers’ deployment base, and Kazakh forces are fully prepared for their mission.
By setting up and launching the peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights, Kazakhstan carries out an obligation to contribute to international peace and security. Participation in missions under U.N. auspices also strengthens the country’s prestige and standing in world affairs. The Golan Heights mission is a crucial step in making Kazakhstan a full-fledged contributor to U.N. peacekeeping forces.
Getting military experience by participation in peacekeeping operations is one of the main goals. Any army needs commissioned and noncommissioned officers with real-life experience. In combat, one experienced fighter can be worth several raw recruits.
Kazakh peacekeepers in the Golan Heights have already achieved some local successes. For instance, the U.N. Golan Heights Disengagement Observer Force has praised the deployment of Kazakh peacekeeping troops, noting that “operational deployment at temporary and permanent sites was carried out within the shortest possible timeframe.”
All in all, Kazakh peacekeeping activities reflect Astana’s desire to strengthen regional and global peace and security. Given the complexity of international politics, Kazakhstan remains an example of a state that actively and responsibly participates in peacekeeping operations and encourages more stable international relations, including in the area of responsibility of United States Central Command.
Kazakhstan’s first independent command as United Nations peacekeeping forces has drawn praise from leaders.
In February 2025, the contingent of 139 Soldiers and four staff officers received medals for their achievements protecting U.N. bases in the Golan Heights.
U.N. commanders praised the Kazakh contingent for defusing 200 unexploded ordnance and conducting evacuations of U.N. employees, most recently in December 2024.
Mission leaders Maj. Gen. Anita Asmah and Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix cited the Kazakh peacekeepers’ discipline, combat effectiveness and moral strength.
The peacekeepers have also drawn positive attention from Kazakhstan’s military elite.
At a ceremony at U.N. Headquarters in New York in early 2024, Lt. Gen. Sultan Kamaletdinov, First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan, praised this milestone of Kazakhstani international engagement.
“For the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, this is a historic milestone. Previously our units co-deployed within the contingents of our partners, and now we are to send a unit under our national flag,” Lt. Gen. Kamaletdinov said.
“Participation in peacekeeping missions is not only the contribution of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the efforts of the international community to maintain peace and security, but also an important component of training that helps improve the combat skills of military personnel.”